Q: We’d like to give our daughter’s teacher a gift for the holidays. What’s the protocol? Do we do something individually or as a class? And what’s appropriate?
A:Lauren,
There are as many answers to this question as there are educators. Here’s what I think.
Check with your principal to see if there are any guidelines that they would like you to follow. They may have school rules about gifts, whether you are giving a gift to be used in the classroom or a gift to the teacher as a token of your appreciation. It’s happening under their roof, so find out what they think.
If they say a gift for the class is appropriate, then find out what the teacher needs (all teachers need books!). If it is okay to give a teacher a personal present, then gift certificates to the movies or a local store that they like are always appreciated. Also, crafts and things that kids make are awesome. I still have a little clay surfer that one of my students made me one year. I love it.
I would also talk to other families, and if you are new to the school, see if you can find some parents whose children have attended that school for a while. Gifts that come from a group of parents are always a great idea as well. It makes everyone feel like they can participate, no matter what they can contribute.
No-no gift items are the following: Plaques that say “#1 Teacher”, mugs, shampoo, a flashlight, socks, disposable razors, a hairbrush and ties.
But something that makes most teachers happy is a hand-written card. It always means a lot.
As a teacher, I have received gifts that I use in the classroom as well gift certificates, other presents and cards and I appreciate them all. Let me know what you end up doing.
December 10th, 2008
Hey — great ideas. I think you’ve saved me. Perfect timing too!
Our pleasure. Happy we could help and Happy Holidays.